Be prepared to take on a challenging workload and difficult course material initially. However, don't get discouraged as professors realize that the difference in academic expectations from High School to college will take some getting used to. It's important to stay on top of studies but attempt to have an involved social life and take advantage of all the fun activities and social outings that VIllanova has to offer.

Bang for the buck

Villanova is definitely an expensive school; there's no getting around that fact. However, in terms of job placement opportunities after graduation, quality of instruction, and the amount of potential internships and networking opportunities available to students it's all worth the high cost. Many professors have extensive real life experience in their field of study and know exactly how to prepare students and get the most out of them in terms of academic potential.

Am enjoying being here

The students on Villanova's campus are some of the most intelligent, friendly, and generally likable group of people you'll meet at any college environment. Everyone is very down to earth and it's easy to get into the social scene and enjoy yourself. The campus is easily navigable and not overly big, but at the same time not tiny so it is easy to get around. Overall it's a blast to be on Villanova's campus.

Am learning a lot

The class experiences are definitely rewarding if you put the time and effort into the course material. Those who stay reasonably caught up with assigned readings and homework will get a lot out of the courses and will find they learn much more than they would have expected going into the class.

Be open minded and meet as many people as you can. Also, make sure you become well acquainted with your professors. An important tip not only for Villanova students, but for all college freshmen would be to never take time for granted. Always manage your time wisely and efficiently: every second counts.

Am enjoying being here

Villanova University believes in community: everyone on campus quickly become close and are always willing to help. There are many extracurricular groups and club,s as well as club and intramural sports, that help students to make friends easily.

Am learning a lot

A large amount of the professors at Villanova University are very knowledgeable and are able to bring their material to life. Also, their office hours are very flexible for help outside of class.

Madhav from VILLANOVA, PA

12/26/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

5 out of 6 people found this review useful.
3 of 56

Categories

Comments

Great for these types of students

Though we are a big school, we strive to know each other. We cross paths with the same people so frequently through out the whole day, that it does feel like we are one big family. We strive to do the best we can because we want to do those things that lead us to believe in what we do is extraordinary. Be extraordinary because no one is ordinary.

Tips for prospective students

An open mind is all that is required to be here. Be open to challenges. The most rash things are things that may define who you are. We have many great people of different types and backgrounds. You will be the next new addition to our great community.

Bang for the buck

Villanova will make every effort to give you the education that you deserve. They will reduce the financial constraints that hinder you from gaining a great college education as much to their capabilities. Its a great score that you can't go wrong with.

Am enjoying being here

Apart from the great academics that are offered, Villanova is in easy reach of Philadelphia city. This provides a very balanced structure of enjoying the feel of being in a campus surrounding while being an arms length away from the city. The area has alot to offer. The second largest mall in the country, The King of Prussia Mall and much more. One would be satisfied if they spent their college years here.

Am learning a lot

There are many things to learn with in and outside of a classroom at Villanova. Villanova not only encourages you to become a better intellectual but encourages you to become a better person. Professors will help you alot. Many are easy to understand, you will enjoy the interactions in your classes and will be assisted with the many facilitiies available on campus. You can double major in one of the best business schools in the nation along with one of the best engineering schools too or even the well-know liberal arts school.

Kristen from Wexford, PA

Villanova is the perfect place for high-achievers. People who like to work hard but also have a lot of fun will fit right in.

Tips for prospective students

Have an open mind. Although Villanova is a Catholic university, it is extremely accepting of everyone. Visit campus. There is no better way to experience Villanova than to come to campus and see how the students interact with one another. For a great look at the student body, attend a basketball game.

Bang for the buck

Villanova is not the most affordable college in the country, but you're guaranteed a great education. Job placement is exceedingly high. The opportunities that are available are some of the best in the nation. If you want an internship, you can get one. If you want to study abroad, you can find a program. Additionally, you'll enjoy great facilities during your time at Villanova.

Am enjoying being here

The Villanova community is amazing. Students are actively involved around campus and genuinely care about each other. The campus is gorgeous and brimming with school spirit. Classes are enjoyable. There's always something to do on weekends. It's hard to find something not to like.

Am learning a lot

The classes are without a doubt challenging but still intriguing. Professors take time to get to know their students and are willing to help you, if needed. With small class sizes, you will never be just a number. Even first year classes cover new, college-level material, instead of simply repeating things you learned in high school.

A couple tips which I'll number so that its a little easier to read: 1. Take as many AP's as you can! the more college credit going in the better, especially when trying to deal with the core curriculum at Villanova. 2. Start looking for scholarships ASAP! Tuition is in no way cheap. 3. Start buying school supplies now. Preparing early not only beats the rush but also allows you to double check and make sure you have everything you need, this is especially important if you live a long way from Villanova. 4. Be prepared to work when you first arrive on campus. Many time when people think of college they think of drinking and partying, and while that exist on Villanova's campus as well as all college campuses, it is important that time is taken to secure academic stability. Its a lot easier to maintain a good GPA than to revive a bad one. 5. Look online for school books. The books in the book store are marked up extremely high and are very expensive. If you can find a better deal take it. 6. At the end of the year, if you think you'll need a book for a future class, keep it. The few 10's of dollars you get back when you sell back to book is not worth you buying a similar book next year. 7. Keep an open mind in your academic major decision. Don't get so caught up in one major that you end up following something you hate. 8. Get involved! There are many groups on campus that fit every different kind of hobby from athletics to music and there is even a quidditch club (yes that soccer like game from harry potter.) 9. Last but not least... have fun and enjoy the college experience.

Bang for the buck

While the tuition at Villanova is at a steep 50,000 a year, it is well worth the money. The education level at Villanova is amazing. The amount of knowledge obtain is unmeasurable and the friendships you make are even more invaluable. The beautiful campus, great educational experience, and wonderful and friendly people only entices people into the welcoming family that is Villanova. I absolutely love Villanova and anyone who attends or has attended Villanova will say the same.

Am enjoying being here

Villanova's campus is beautiful, and while it is spacious it is not so big that walking to class becomes a problem. The people at Villanova are extremely friendly and easy to get along with. There are many musical groups, theater groups, various clubs and intramural sports as well as the Greek life on campus which allow for a perfect social environment. If anything, social life on campus is not an issue. The food on campus in the dinning halls is decent at best. It varies depending on the special of the day. The A la Carte places on campus are very good. There are three main places on main campus; The Connelly Center, The Italian Kitchen and Corner Grille, all of which are very good. On West Campus, there is a small convenience store inside of St. Mary's Hall, Second Storey. This stays open until 2 every night and also serves very good food. On average, on a scale of 1-10 the food on campus gets a 7. Lastly, the dorm rooms vary from very good to decent/bad. The good freshmen dorms are Good Counsel, Caughlin ( All Girls Dorms), McGuire Hall (all guys dorm, aka: ManGuire), and Katherine. The South Campus freshmen dorm, Standford Hall is not nearly as good as the others, although, it is the social hot spot and the dorm where all athletes stay. In some of the bigger roomed dorms (such as McGuire and Good Counsel), the school makes forced triple situations where three people will be put in a room originally made for two. While this sounds like a terrible living situation and completely unfair, the school will take the cost 1 student must pay for housing and pay it back to those in the forced triple, splitting this three different ways and paying each student. Lastly, all of the freshmen dorms are air conditioned/ heated.

Am learning a lot

At Villanova, they provide a very challenging course load but, the academic rigor follows a trend that provides the best type of learning situation for all of their students. As a freshmen, the school provides a challenging schedule yet carefully transitions students into the rigors of a college education. While the workload becomes naturally more challenging each year, each student enters into the next year of their college career fully equipped with all the knowledge needed to succeed. Most importantly, the work load does not inhibit social interaction. Students are still able to find time to enjoy themselves and make friends, thereby creating many memories and experiencing the full college experience. The one and only drawback, which can be found in any school, is the core curriculum that must completed before one is able to graduate. While it does allow for students to be more well rounded, it ends up creating scheduling problems. Also many of the required classes usually have nothing to do with the major you wish to pursue and often times seem pointless. These core curriculum classes do present certain scheduling issues but, through learning to handle these classes, one can receive a very good and well rounded education.

Lauren from East Brunswick, NJ

02/03/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
6 of 56

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

i do not know anyone who has ever felt unsafe on campus. it is a gated campus with public safety constantly walking and riding the campus. if you ever feel unsafe, you can call public safety and they will come immediately and take you where you need to be. e-mails and text messages are sent in case of emergency, and smaller infractions are posted in the villanovan, our newspaper, as well as around residence halls.

Greek Life

about one-third of the students are a part of greek life at villanova, but unlike some other schools, greek life is just another activity people add to their lists. it is not the only thing someone is able to do. those involved in greek life can still join sports, be in a choir, and write for the newspaper. there are also no greek houses on campus, which separate the two worlds a bit.

Clubs and Activities

there are two huge activities fairs that pack the pavilion each year with stands set up all over encouraging students to get involved. everything you could possibly imagine is eager for new members, and if you can come up with something we don't already have, you can get your friends together and create it! we have everything from sports, arts, political groups, diversity groups, publication clubs, religious organizations, and our very own quidditch team.

Great for these types of students

villanova truly can appeal to any type of student. it is a primarily white school, but there are so many groups for everyone to participate it. no one feels like an outcast or too different to call it their home away from home. so if you're a student who wants to have a bright future ahead of them, make life-long friends, be proud of their school, and have a blast, villanova is right for you!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

the oreo is a very popular statue in the center of campus, which serves as a meeting spot for many students. basketball games are extremely popular and every chant and cheer is certainly a villanova tradition. we have hoops mania which is a huge pep rally featuring a surprise musical guest. the end of semester dinner is also something to look forward to. students line up over an hour ahead of time to get the delicious lobster and filet mignon that the dining halls prepare.

Bang for the buck

the tuition is high, and there's no getting around that. but villanova offers many scholarships for academics and sports, as well as need based aid. the financial aid department provides full financing options for every student, and works hard to make it affordable.

What to do for fun

philadelphia is a quick train ride away, which is home to a million things to do including shops, restaurants, theaters, and museums. you can also stay on campus to participate in one of the fun things that the campus activities team has put together. bus trips occur every weekend to popular cities, shows, and sporting events. we also have a free movie theater on campus and plays to attend nightly. basketball games are extremely popular and the school spirit really comes through.

Food and Dining

there are three dining halls on campus which have a variety of options, including the longest salad bar on the east coast. other smaller options are available all over campus for late-night snacks, ice cream and smoothies, food off the grill, and italian food. nothing you can try here is bad, and half of it is made fresh right in front of you!

Dorm Life

most dorms are air conditioned and everything is being renovated. residence assistants are readily available and ensure a sense of community within the floor and the building as a whole. learning communities are a huge advantage, where freshmen get to take their augustinian culture seminar with people who also live in their building and also take a community-specific course with them. options for this include leadership, healthy living, art and culture, and international relations. a similar idea follows suit sophomore year, but it is community service oriented. juniors can have apartments on west campus, but senior housing is not provided.

Academic Rigor

each school within villanova is different, but all require a good amount of work. some have tons of group projects, others have major tests that take lots of preparation, but everything is still kept fair. there's also a large core curriculum that each student must fill, ensuring that every graduate has a liberal arts education as well as their specialty.

Tips for prospective students

definitely apply early action. this shows interest in the school, and worst comes to worst, you are put into the regular decision pool. visit on a day classes are in session and tours are being given. you get to speak with current student ambassadors, go all across campus with impeccable tour guides from the blue key society, and finally meet with admissions counselors ready to answer all of your questions.

In three sentences

villanova is a medium-sized school with large-scale opportunities and resources. they value community, academics, sports, and the arts. there is something for everyone, and anything is possible here.

Emily from Wheaton, IL

07/08/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
8 of 56

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

There is public safety always around campus making sure that no trouble is happening. However, if you do not see public safety and feel threatened there are call boxes all over campus. All one has to do is press the button and public safety will come to where you are and drive you back to your dorm. Not only that, but police are stationed at all freshmen dorms at night to watch over the students. I always feel safe at school and all the public safety officers are friendly and eager to help you with whatever you need.

Greek Life

There are 10 fraternities and 9 sororities, but I am not involved it Greek life. Those that I know who do participate in Greek life tell me that they love it. At the same time, though, I do not feel left out for not being part of it. I am happy with my decision to not be a part of a sorority.

Clubs and Activities

I participate in the Villanova Dance Team, which performs at all the home football and basketball games and then compete at the end of the year at Nationals in Florida. I am also involved in the Environmental Learning Community, Service Learning Community, Engineering Without Borders, and I work at the library for a little extra money for the year.

What to do for fun

With Philadelphia less than an hour away, I was never bored on the weekends. During the winter, I even went ice skating at Penns Landing! There are also buses that take you to King of Prussia on the weekends, which is the 2nd biggest mall in America! There are also small towns next door with restaurants to eat at and places to shop! My favorite place is a breakfast restaurant called Minella's diner. It is opened during the late hours of the night as well, so if a midnight snack is ever needed that is the place to go.

Food and Dining

I did not get sick or tired of the food at all, during my first year at Villanova. There are dining halls, coffee shops, an Italian place, and a few more places to eat. This year 2012 there will be a new Italian place to eat that will even have gelado! There is the normal pizza and pasta, but also a sandwich and cheesesteaks part as well in all the dining halls. The options are always there, which leaves me to eat whatever I am in the mood for.

Dorm Life

I participated in a learning community freshman year, which led me to be in a smaller dorm. I loved it! All the students were kind and respectful to one another. I never felt left out or annoyed with those around me. All of my best friends were from the dorm I lived in!

Academic Rigor

I find Villanova University challenging on all subjects, but not to a point where I have never been able to figure out what to do or find help. Each professor is eager to help students with lessons. As long as you put in the effort, the grades will happen. As long as I did not procrastinate, I did not have trouble finishing up my essays, projects, and homework.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you know what you want in a college, so then you can accurately decide if one school is the right one for you over another. Visiting the college or university that you are interested in is also recommended because what you read on the internet versus the actual experience of seeing the school can be totally different. If you are looking for a smaller size Augustinian school with school spirit and involvement in the students, then Villanova is the school for you.

In three sentences

Villanova University is one big community where everyone is connected to each other. The faith throughout the campus is overwhelming and beautiful. I could not have wished for a more well-rounded university for me to attend.

During our admission presentation, an admissions advisor, actually recommended taking your SATs as many as five times to get a perfect 1600. A student with a 1500 questioned the value of multiple test taking in terms of cost and time for diminishing returns. They were quite adamant that they want to see students strive to score as high as possible and to show that through multiple standardized tests. They said admission is based on: 1. Academic rigor available at HS 2. GPA and standardized test scores 3. Essays - (common and supplemental) They mentioned including Saint Augustine and to make sure you use semi-colons and commas properly and to please spell out numbers; and if you include Mass in your essay, make sure it is capitalized. The admissions office uses red pen to score your essays and they expect no grammatical errors. They spent quite a bit of time outlining this, so it is very important. In my opinion, someone as a first time SAT taker, with a 1500-1550 on their SATs should be donating that extra expense of retaking the exam to charity or doing community service with the additional time required to get that perfect 1600. (sixteen hundred) The school is very lovely, but just did not feel overly welcoming and was a bit too pretentious, considering the spiritual mission of the university.

In three sentences

Gorgeous campus in safe, beautiful Main Line with the academic rigor of any Ivy League school. Tremendous study abroad and internship opportunities. Great alumni network.

Michael from Berwyn, PA

10/02/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
10 of 56

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

Villanova is incredibly safe with the locals' greatest complaint being noise from the student body. Public safety officers are constantly on duty but are mostly unnecessary save for helping students who lock themselves out of their dorm.

Clubs and Activities

Plenty of sports, service, and business societies exist, all fairly well funded, popular, and offering much to do. We also house one of the nation's top Quidditch teams for Harry Potter fans.

Bang for the buck

A little expensive but overall well worth the price tag with a fine academic reputation (especially for the business school), a lot to do, great career support, and an absolutely beautiful campus.

What to do for fun

Beside a plethora of on campus activities and clubs, the two railways running through campus provide easy and cheap transportation to Philadelphia, a lively city with a rich culture, historical background, and nightlife. The school also provides shuttles to the King of Prussia mall, one of the largest malls in the nation. Within walking and biking distance or an even shorter bus ride is Bryn Mawr and Wayne each with good restaurants, shops, cinemas, and other activities to explore.

Food and Dining

The dining halls serve average food but this is made up for by the availability of good restaurants and cheap (not always mutually exclusive) restaurants.

Dorm Life

People in the dorms are usually friendly and the RA's are both helpful and active in trying to promote a communal spirit without being obnoxiously intrusive though the dorm rooms can be bare or old depending on the building.

Academic Rigor

It's not Ivy League but unless you're a natural whiz and devoted academic it the courses will challenge you to maintain A's and healthy social and personal life as well. It's no cake walk.

Tips for prospective students

Be sure to stay on top of all your activities and manage your time wisely. Keep a weather eye out for opportunities, there are many and it can sometimes be overwhelming to sift through them all for the ones relevant to you. Read the Wildcat Newswire and the Career Services Center emails, they contain important email and take a two minute gloss over to check for important info.

In three sentences

Villanova is an excellent University that provides a broad range of courses taught by (for the most part) competent teachers. It provides great academic and professional resources and a rich variety of clubs. Despite the reputation as Villa-no-fun there is plenty to do on campus and nearby off campus which the school provides ample transportation for.

Chelsea from New York

08/07/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
11 of 56

Categories

Comments

Greek Life

Greek life exists but barely. If your lifelong dream was to join a frat or sorority, I would go somewhere else. If you're not that into it but still want to join one then go for it. I'm not a fan of greek life which is why Villanova is perfect because they're not overly in-your-face about their group.

Bang for the buck

Villanova is expensive. That's why I'm filling out this survey right now; I'm hoping to get some money to help pay for this place. I'm not one of those preppy, upper-middle class girls who can pay up front for the whole semester. Sometimes I wonder if I'm just wasting my money when I could have gone to a slightly worse school for a whole lot less money.

What to do for fun

I am a very boring person and don't go out very much. But there are parties if you're into that. There is also the Campus Activities Team which plans events and stuff to do on campus. There is also Philadelphia that's a train ride away plus a lot of shopping opportunities. Joining a club will also help you do more because a lot of clubs and sports plan group outings and activities.

Food and Dining

The food really is not that bad. As the pickiest eater I know, I still manage to eat everyday so you know the food has to have some quality to it. Try to go to different dining halls/areas every once in a while so you can get more variety. Trust me, you will get bored of the food if you don't switch it up a bit.

Dorm Life

It depends on what you're looking for. The people who go here are awesome if you let them be. We're not a very big party school so if you're looking for dorm parties you might have your work cut out for you. They exist, of course, but they're not that common. Most dorms are fairly quiet (but not too quiet). I love dorm life here.

Academic Rigor

Some classes are hard; some aren't. Hopefully, your schedule will be a mixture of both so you can focus on hard ones and relax a little for the easier ones. No matter what though, you will need to put in a lot of work if you want to get anything out of your classes.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you talk to people! That is the most important thing I can stress. Make friends in your dorm, activities and classes. They will help you study and be a support group for you if you go through difficult times. Also, do work ahead of time. It will save you in the long run.

In three sentences

Villanova is a wonderful school that opens up a lot of opportunities for you. Some professors are not that helpful but the ones that are will change your life for the better. The students there are also really kind and welcoming.

Kelly from Eagan, MN

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

0 out of 2 people found this review useful.
12 of 56

Categories

Comments

Great for these types of students

Hardworking students that have a central focus on academics, yet know how to let loose and have fun on the weekends.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you attend Candidates Day. It was the deciding factor for me as I was able to talk with so many people on campus and each and every person I spoke with was very kind and willing to answer any of your questions.

Bang for the buck

They are known for not giving out much financial aid because a majority of the students that attend are fairly well off, but if money is tight for any of you like it is for me, then they will make sure to give you enough money and are fully capable of it.

Josephine from East Brunswick, NJ

Villanova University is ideal for any student who wishes to be a part of the Villanovan community and is willing to use the spirit and power of this community to better the lives of others.

Tips for prospective students

Do not be surprised by the spirit that is the Villanovan community; here at Villanova University, there are plenty of opportunities to interact with and give back to the community whether through organizations such as Habitat for Humanity or Rays of Sunshine. Be ready to take advantage of the numerous amounts of resources available, such as the Office for Student Development (if one wants to create a new club, for example) or the Career Center.

Bang for the buck

I will not doubt that Villanova is expensive; however, the experience and the resources available at Villanova are well worth the price. From the Career Center to the different research opportunities, there is practically no end to the resources that are available for students. For instance, one just has to go to the Career Center if he or she is looking for an internship or is looking to brush up on his or her resume writing skills. In addition to these resources, the education given to the students is well worth the price. With Villanova being ranked nationally as the university with one of the best engineering, business, law, and nursing programs, students will be well prepared after graduation to pursue the career of their choice.

Am enjoying being here

If I only had one word to describe Villanova, it would be community. I appreciate all the opportunities Villanova gives to its students to get involved with and make a difference in the lives of many. For instance, a student can get involved with Special Olympics, whether it is being on the committee that organizes the event itself or managing one of the many activity stands for the athletes. Not only does Villanova give students a chance to give back to the community, but gives them opportunities to get to know one another; from CAT (Campus Activities Team) or Inter-Hall Council, Villanova organizes various events in order to give the students a more exciting campus experience and a chance to build friendships that will last after graduation. Through all these different opportunities to interact with others, I definitely made the right choice coming to Villanova.

Am learning a lot

From the moment that my four-day freshmen orientation ended, I knew that Villanova would be different. Not only did I benefit academically here at Villanova, but I also gain plenty of experiences of working with others. Whether it is being a part of Inter-Hall Council (coordinates activites between student dorms) or participating in RUIBAL (Reaching Urban Individuals By Action and Love), the opportunities are endless at Villanova. I not only learned about the people around me, but I learned a lot about myself as well. Though I agree that whichever college one might attend, he or she will always go through an experience of self-discovery. However, here at Villanova, you discover more about yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone. At RUIBAL, for instance, freshmen get the chance to give back to the community by interacting with or tutoring kids from the inner city Philadelphia areas. By getting involved with RUIBAL, I not only learned about the economic situations that these kids are in, but I also learned that by doing something as small as playing with them during playtime can make a big difference in their lives. I realized that these small actions can leave a big impact on a child's life.

Philip from Huntingdon Valley, PA

07/13/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

0 out of 1 people found this review useful.
14 of 56

Categories

Comments

Great for these types of students

Villanova University is a great college for students who want to put learning and education first. There is plenty if fun here, but remember this is not penn state. It is a great school for people who intend to major in Business or Engineering.

Tips for prospective students

Just understand that college is not high school anymore. I know that many high school kids do not work hard and still manage to maintain a great gpa but in college you have to adjust to doing more work. Finally, learn how to balance school work, social life, and extra-curricular activities; do not do too much of one thing or the others will be affected.

Bang for the buck

Villanova University is an expensive school, but that is because it is a Catholic school or private school it is not government funded or regulated. Although tuition is expensive if you are a person that can not afford college they give you a lot of grants through FASFA and usually the tuition is more manageable for people in need of financial assistance.

Am enjoying being here

Villanova is really like any other college in the sense of fun. They seem to be known as college that is not a lot of fun, but like anything else if you put yourself out there you will have fun. I am an incoming sophomore and enjoy being at Villanova University there is a lot to offer here, academically and socially.

Am learning a lot

Villanova is a great academic school. The classes are small enough to get one on one time with the teachers if you do not understand a concept. The largest classes are the lecture hall which probably are around 70 kids. All of the teachers are welcoming to questions and have office hours that are designated for extra student help. This school gives you every opportunity to succeed.

-Come in ready to work, but also ready to have fun -Be organized in your approach to work -Make the most of your time at Villanova by getting involved with a group

Bang for the buck

While the price tag on Villanova is steep, the teaching staff is quite knowledgeable and are readily available to help if you ask. In addition the facilities around campus are a graceful mix of modern and stone buildings that provide a beautiful walk in the Early Spring and Late Fall. Also, the food variety is excellent.

Am enjoying being here

Villanova is like many other schools in the respect that it is what you make of it. For instance, I enjoy volunteering my time and Villanova has ample opportunities for volunteers. However, if volunteering is not your thing then you still have other options of what you'd like to get involved with.

Am learning a lot

I came into Villanova with the attitude that I would have to work a little in order to achieve academic success. I was wrong. You must work hard in order to achieve academic success at Villanova. The course work is challenging but also relevant to the real world. After an internship last summer, the hard work really paid off because Villanova had prepared me for the work that I'd be facing.

Kaitlyn from Upper Darby, PA

The best thing about Villanova is that there is so much to get involved in! Everyone is active in the community, and getting involved truly enhances the college experience.

What to do for fun

There are tons of opportunities to have fun on and off campus. There are movies shown every weekend in the on-campus theater. There is an off-campus shuttle that drops students off next to Hope's Cookies and Peace a Pizza. There is also an off-campus shuttle to the King of Prussia Mall, and it is easy to take the train into Philadelphia or Washington, D.C..

Food and Dining

The dining halls are really nice, but like all colleges the food just can't beat a home-cooked meal.

Dorm Life

Living in a dorm is one of the best experiences of my life. I love being surrounded by my friends and hall-mates, and we always have a great time hanging out together.

Academic Rigor

The classes are challenging, but you learn a lot from your professors. Villanova professors want you to succeed, and they are always available to meet and discuss any difficulties you may be experiencing regarding the material.

In three sentences

Villanova is all about community. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. When you come here, you know you are a part of something special - something bigger than yourself. It is a great experience.

Ronna from Ashtabula, OH

People seem to be happy with the greek life, but I decided not to join on account of the university being unable to fund frat and sorority houses.

Great for these types of students

Students who are serious about their work, but still ready to have a lot of fun!

What to do for fun

There's a shuttle that runs to the King of Prussia mall ever Friday and Saturday. Parties starting usually on Thursday nights. Philly is pretty close, so that's always an option. There's an on-campus shuttle that runs to Rosemont, about a mile down the road, every day. There's a McDonald's, CVS, cookie and pizza shop, tanning salon, and probably lots of other things there. There's plenty of nearby places to eat, and on the weekends, there's always something going on somewhere on campus. Never boring around there.

Tips for prospective students

Visit the campus before you decide, no matter what college!

In three sentences

Villanova is great all around! The food is awesome and the people are really nice. It was easy to adapt to being far from home at Nova.

Natania from Philadelphia, PA

there is campus security 24/7. what i love most about public safety has to be between the text alerts and the escort service.

Greek Life

i'm not involved with greek life, but those who are involved seem to enjoy it and it is so prevalent on campus.

Clubs and Activities

all of our organizations are student-run. there's an activities fair every semester. there's a group for anything you can think of and if doesn't exist, you can get it started.

Great for these types of students

villanova is great for students who enjoy service, competition, community and life!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

two words-- mendel doug. there are other unusual things about my school, but too many to remember.

Bang for the buck

it's a bit expensive, but financial aid does a great job with assisting students and there are plenty of places to work.

What to do for fun

too much to name!

Food and Dining

there are so many places to eat on campus. every dinning hall has a salad bar. the food is great!

Dorm Life

dorm life is nice. the learning communities are great because it's easier to meet people and create lifelong friendships.

Academic Rigor

most people balance their work load with easy classes and difficult classes. as long as you keep up with the material and practice (for languages and math) you should be fine. the work isn't hard, but it does make you think. since i've started classes, i've seen myself change.

Tips for prospective students

get to know people. get involved. take advantage of opportunities because there are more than enough.

In three sentences

villanova is a great place to attend college. thee faculty and staff assist you with any & everything-- they go above and beyond. at villanova, people care.

Nicholas from Manalapan, NJ

Greek life is not advertised when visiting/exploring the school, but it is more prominent than one would think. Not my cup of tea

Clubs and Activities

There is a variety of things to do at Villanova

Great for these types of students

White, Roman Catholic Those who love community service Fairly conservative-minded people

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Hold up your V by making a V shape with your index and middle finger to represent Villanova and have great school spirit!

Bang for the buck

Villanova is extremely expensive

What to do for fun

Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Villanova Football/Basketball games, Special Olympics

Food and Dining

I have nothing positive to say about the dining on campus

Dorm Life

Personally, I have had nothing but negative experiences in regards to dorm life. But in general, dorm life is not very lively most people go out

Academic Rigor

High academic rigor with high expectations

Tips for prospective students

Be sure to get into the college frame of mind because you will hit the ground running with work as soon as you start classes. Villanova is no joke academically-you will be challenged and you will have a lot of work to do

In three sentences

Villanova is a fairly small private school with an extremely rigorous education. You need to work hard to do well, and there are many resources available on campus to help you. Villanova's reputation is one of great success.

Christopher from Katonah, NY

03/22/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

21 of 56

Categories

Comments

What to do for fun

There are a plethora of activities on campus. Service organizations are exceedingly popular, and there are a ton of clubs and sports to participate in. It is not difficult to create a new organization. Students are friendly and are open to videogaming and seeing movies at the campus center. Many students attend parties on weekends.

Food and Dining

Each dining hall offers multiple stations and some variety, including vegetarian, vegan, and health-foods. However, usually only one station consistently offers novel meals from night to night. One can dislike or tire of even these changing entrees and, while the food is not *bad*, it can become tiring. There are many specialty venues around campus, however, offering everything from fried food and cheesesteaks to wraps to more gourmet choices. There are also many options just off campus. One can order in almost any type of food (including Chinese and Indian).

Dorm Life

There is a lottery to determine who picks rooms first. Freshman year roommates are matched by an adequate personality survey, and your dorm corresponds to a thematic learning community such as Peace and Justice. RA's occasionally hold hall activities. Dorm rooms are decent in size, and there is a range of choices which allow students to trade location with other room attributes. Students returning from weekend parties can be rowdy, and frat pranks have occasionally gotten out of hand (ie: pulling the fire alarm and evacuating all teh residents multiple times in one night).

Academic Rigor

As with everything, you get out what you put in. If you want to just relax your way through college, you can. But there are ample challenges available, such as pursuing multiple majors, taking honors versions of courses and entering the intense (but highly rewarding) Interdisciplinary Humanities program. While Villanova's teachers are proficient, the Honors program recruits professors of a higher caliber to run more difficult seminars for those highly interested and motivated students willing to work outside of class and contribute to the class.

Tips for prospective students

-The new core requirements have changed which AP scores are accepted and how many can be used to meet core requirements. -The Connections pre-orientation summer retreat is a great way to make friends and get a feel for campus before the year officially starts. Having connections already makes the orientation process much easier.

In three sentences

Students are warm and friendly, and many have a passion for community service. The professors are, on the whole, proficient and knowledgeable and mirror the genial atmosphere. The campus is beautiful, being neither too big nor too small.

Nicole from Sacramento

I feel very safe on campus. Security is always available to help people get home late at night if you need it.

Greek Life

Over 30% of students participate in Greek Life...it's a great way to get involved.

Great for these types of students

Over 50% of students Study Abroad...I'm going to Italy next fall. The school helps set up the entire study abroad program for those that are interested in doing it. Great way to learn more about the world.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

All students (who want to) participate in events to help the youth in Philadelphia....everyone does it. Its a great way to give back to the community.

Bang for the buck

Over 90% of Business Majors have a job within 6 months of graduation (average salary $70,000+) or decide to go onto graduate school. Many juniors have summer internships paying $50,000+ for the summer!

What to do for fun

Whatever is fun to you is here. School sporting events (football, basketball, lacrosse, track) are here, greek life, shopping at one of the best malls in the nation. There is always something to do.

Food and Dining

The dining halls offer a vast variety of options. And there are a number of meal plans so you can choose to eat in the dining hall or closer to class if you wish. My favorite thing is at the end of each semester they have a end of semester dinner with prime rib and other delicious food.

Dorm Life

Students live in the dorms for the first two years here and then typically live off campus for the last two years. Freshman live across the street from campus, sophomores on campus...which is very convenient in the cold weather or when you wake up late for class.

Academic Rigor

Villanova offers all levels of rigor. It is not easy to get into the Business school, so your peers are often from the top 10% of their high school class. The professors are always available to help though if you need them.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved. The university is located in a suburb of Philadelphia, and while city life is a short train ride away, unless you are involved in greek life or other school activities the weekends can be dead.

In three sentences

Villanova University is an amazing university. As a Business Major, I have access to so many internships, mentors and hopefully future employers. I love it here.

Rebecca from IL

04/24/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

23 of 56

Categories

Comments

Clubs and Activities

There is a wide range of activities you can participate in. Music/Art is not that well supported, but there are a dedicated number of people who still participate. It is really easy to get involved on campus.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

If you visit campus, you have to visit the Oreo. A statue outside the Connelly Center, it is a favorite of the students and is a common meeting place.

Bang for the buck

It can sound really expensive, which it can be. There are plenty of opportunities to get aid, however. And the campus is going through a massive construction plan (happening in increments over the next few years) that will vastly improve the campus. Plans include housing for seniors, and shops on campus.

What to do for fun

The location of Villanova is great. It's in a good neighborhood, and you are a quick train ride into Philly. There are two train stops on campus alone, plus the public bus and a campus-run shuttle bus to accommodate those who have to trek across the hilly terrain. Being from Illinois, I was worried about how to get to the airport, but there is usually a shuttle run by 'Nova that you can take straight to the airport. Otherwise, you can take the train into Philly and connect to another train to the airport, which is also quite easy to navigate.

Food and Dining

There are three all-you-can-eat dining halls on campus, each located on one of the three parts of campus. Also on the main stretch of campus there are other dining options, including fast-food type stuff, coffeehouses, and a place to get a great cheesesteak. There are many restaurants which are close by as well, so your options are not limited to just campus food.

Dorm Life

Freshman dorms can be good or bad. You can be stuck in a converted-triple (something you can avoid by sending in your deposit right away), but even that isn't too bad. Housing will work with you if you have any problems. Housing for Sophomore and Junior year are chosen with a lottery system, so there is a lot of luck involved with those decisions, but all in all, there's not a dorm that is just plain terrible. You can adapt pretty easily wherever you go. Senior housing is off campus, or at least until they build their projected senior housing (which looks amazing in the plans).

Academic Rigor

The courses are not too bad, pretty much on par or above that of any other school like 'Nova. Teachers can be rough at times, especially as a freshman when you don't know which teachers to avoid, but you learn quickly and adapt to anything. There is help in any subject if you need it, and classmates often get together to study or work.

Tips for prospective students

Visit the campus and make sure it's what you are looking for. Look into any campus activities you may want to participate in ahead of time, for some require auditions or tryouts pretty early into the year. Apply for any scholarships you can; Villanova gives out money to those who look for it.

In three sentences

Villanova is a good school for those looking for a school with prestige, yet not a crazy amount of super difficult academics. There is a strong presence of both the Catholic religion with which the college is associated, and the importance of community service. Villanova also offers many great programs in any area of study if you're looking to study abroad, contact alumni, or work with professors.

Anonymous

05/11/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

24 of 56

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

Villanova's Public Safety department works hard with the Radnor Police to ensure that every student on campus is safe. Although it is bothersome sometimes, and Pub Safe ruins some of the fun, the benefits of the safety they provide is worth it. Burglary on campus is rare, and it is difficult for outsiders to enter campus, and especially dorm buildings. Even walking around campus, Public Safety is always just a phone call away in case of an emergency, and they're always willing to accompany students if they ever feel unsafe.

Greek Life

Villanova is home to 8 sororities and 9 fraternities, with another sorority receiving a charter in the Spring of 2013. There are also other special interest sororities and fraternities on campus. Although Villanova does not provide housing for Greek Life, the groups inevitably form inseparable bonds. The sororities and fraternities at Villanova are all service based, however they participate in many social events throughout the year including formals and cocktail parties. The biggest Greek Life event of the year occurs with April's Greek Week, which is a competition between all the sororities and fraternities, unifying Villanova's Greek Life.

Clubs and Activities

There are hundreds of clubs and activities on campus- I don't even know about half of them. For the college you're in, there will be a club for your major or concentration. If you like sports, you'll find and intramural sport that fits your interests. Maybe you're more of the artsy type, there is a Student Theater group as well as many art clubs. There is even Student Government, newspaper, yearbook, new student orientation committee, and Blue Key tour guides, just to name a few. Being a catholic school, Villanova also has a strong campus ministry program (which caters to EVERY religion) and offers many service opportunities every week. Whether you're looking to continue with your high school interests, or discover new ones, Villanova will most definitely have something to offfer.

Great for these types of students

Stereotypically, Villanova is for preppy, upper middle class students. Even though a lot of the student population fits this stereotype, there is a place for everyone on campus, and I would encourage a visit to see if it's really for you.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Everything at Villanova is abbreviated or shortened- for example the dining hall on Main Campus (Dougherty) is the Pit, the one on South Campus (Donahue) is the Spit, and the convenience store on South Campus is the Sparket. Even off campus locations like King of Prussia Mall get their abbreviations (KoP). Learning this abbreviations is a tradition that is part of the fun of becoming a Villanovan.

Bang for the buck

Although Villanova is one of the most expensive universities in the country, you definitely get what you pay for. You get an incredible private school education that promises almost every student a job or acceptance to a graduate program after they graduate. Not only do you get a quality education, but Villanova loves to give out free stuff. Sometimes its a midday snack hosted by the Business School, a carnival (complete with inflatable rides) hosted by the Campus Activities Team, or even free goodies from Villanova's sponsor, American Eagle. Aside from material gains, the connections and friendships you make at Villanova are invaluable compared to the costs of tuition.

What to do for fun

Villanova doesn't have frat row or any type of housing like this on campus, since it is a dry campus for the most part. However, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun on and off campus. The Campus Activities Team (CAT) hosts movies in the Cinemas every Friday and Saturday night, as well as many other events such as beach trips, concerts, and even a shuttle to the King of Prussia Mall. Both the R500 and R100 Septa trains run through campus making it easy to get to restaurants and other attractions both in local towns, and in the great city of Philadelphia. If the party scene is more for you, many of the fraternities and sports teams host weekly parties off campus which are easily accessible by taxi. Sometimes, clubs in Philadelphia are rented out and for the price of a $20 or $30 ticket you will board a bus and go out for a night of fun.

Food and Dining

The campus has numerous places to eat and a great variety of food. No matter where you are on campus, there is always somewhere to get food close by, even late at night. The meal plans can be kind of confusing at first, however it only takes a few weeks to get used to it and once you do it's worth it. As far as buffet style dining halls, the Donahue Court (South Campus) has the best food/variety, however Dougherty Hall (Main Campus) has the best salad bar. All dining halls have all you can eat soft serve frozen yogurt. When the dining halls aren't open there are plenty of a la carte locations and convenience stores where you can also use your meal plans to get food. Villanova also has its own Starbucks concept called Holy Grounds, which is great for getting a quick pick me up in the morning, or grabbing a muffin for breakfast.

Dorm Life

Some of the dorms are very nice, and some are not. Generally, freshmen are housed on South campus, however there are some other freshman dorms located on main campus that are considered not as nice. No matter what the dorm, they are all very safe and located not far from campus, and more importantly close to food. To be guaranteed one of the “nice” dorms you should sign up for a freshman Learning Community. There are many different themes, however no matter what theme you sign up for you attend freshman seminar and live with the people who are in the same Learning Community as you. Learning Communities provide a way for freshmen to connect with others in their dorms, and expand their knowledge on certain topics. Overall, Villanova makes a conscious effort to satisfy the housing needs of every student, and tries to make each person’s residence hall experience a memorable one.

Academic Rigor

Much of the academic rigor at Villanova depends on the college you are enrolled in and the classes you choose. Generally, those in Liberal Arts have the least rigorous schedule and those in Engineering have the most. However, Villanova is a highly selective school and if you have the high school record to get in, you should be able to handle the rigor of the college work. Class sizes are very small (usually around 20-30 for non-lab classes) making it easy to get to know your professors and get help when you need it. Villanova has a wide variety of courses for all majors and interests, and much of the rigor of your academics is dependent on how hard you are willing to push yourself.

Tips for prospective students

First, get involved. Although Villanova isn’t the biggest school, they have opportunities for everyone to join in and get involved as a true “Villanovan”. There is everything from Student Theater and newspaper, to intramural sports and academic clubs. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, and remember that it’s perfectly acceptable to introduce yourself to every person you walk by those first few weeks of school! The Villanova community is so tight it’s impossible not to find the place where you fit in. Take advantage of every moment from orientation to finals. Your time at Villanova will go way faster than you could ever imagine!

In three sentences

Every single person I've met at Villanova is absolutely wonderful- from students to staff and even just the local community members. The campus not so big that I feel overwhelmed, but big enough to enjoy its beauty. The community atmosphere at Villanova gives every person on campus a feeling of belonging.

Karla from Yonkers, NY

Campus is pretty safe and secure. You always see the safety officers patrolling around in their vans. and there's emergency call boxes as well!

Greek Life

The greek life on campus isn't super overwhelming or competitive, but it's there. And there's a really fun greek week in the spring.

Great for these types of students

If you're a focused student, who is going to college to really hone in on their studies this is a great school for you. But if you're looking to have a little fun, you be just fine also.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

At Villanova we love abbreviating things and we really get pumped for basketball games. There's a tree on campus called the kissing tree, it has huge branches and it looks like a gigantic bush. When you go under it, you see something quite spectacular!

Bang for the buck

I would definitely say Villanova is worth it's tuition cost. They give out generous financial aid packages and they keep the campus beautiful. And I've had a great experience there that is worth more than anything.

What to do for fun

There's a movie theater on campus that screens movies on the weekends. Also there's a cyber lounge that has ping pong tables and pool. It's pretty hard or expensive getting places off campus if you don't have a car, but there's a shuttle on the weekends that takes you to the KOP mall which also has a movie theater. However, it can be really fun just hanging out with a bunch of friends!

Food and Dining

The food at Villanova is decent. Sometimes it can be quite exceptional, like at the end of semester dinner when they serve lobster.

Dorm Life

Dorming at Villanova has been the best experience of my life. You really get a sense of what being on your own is like. I became best friends with my roommate and it was awesome living with them all year long.

Academic Rigor

It really depends on your professor but some classes can be very challenging. However some can also be a walk in the park. Overall with enough studying, they're all manageable.

Tips for prospective students

Join lots of clubs! Avoid the freshman fifteen by avoiding food joints that are open late. Don't skip class and try to get as much sleep as you can!

In three sentences

Villanova has a great sense of community and support. There's a wide variety of majors and switching isn't too hard. The social life is also fun and there's a lot of different people.

Laura from Falls Church, VA

06/08/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

27 of 56

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

Nothing bad ever happens on campus. Public Safety will pick you up from anywhere and drive you to where you need to go if you feel even the slightest bit uneasy. Personally, I am very comfortable walking around campus at any time of day.

Greek Life

I'm not involved, those who are seem to like it. Personally I think it's kinda stupid.

Clubs and Activities

SO MANY OPTIONS. You can literally do anything. And if there isn't something you want and you want to start something new, that's extremely doable.

Great for these types of students

Anyone. Everyone can find a place at Villanova. It is an extremely accepting student body.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Basketball is a huge deal. The Villanova Day of Service is a huge service event. Special Olympics weekend is also a huge weekend on campus where everyone volunteers and has a great time. There are too many to type.

Bang for the buck

Villanova is very, very expensive. They do have a decent amount of financial aid, which helps a lot. It is a great school, I only rank it lower because it's expensive. I hope it is worth the cost in the long run, and all the graduates that I know have become quite successful in a short amount of time and lead happy lives!

What to do for fun

Villanova is right outside of Philadelphia, very close to many other universities, and has a lot of options for activities and parties on and off campus.

Food and Dining

love the food. So many options both on and off campus, meal plans are great, no complaints with it.

Dorm Life

Not too loud, lot of options, small buildings and big buildings, etc. Amenities are enough, not the nicest in every building, but they are making a lot of improvements and it's not horrible.

Academic Rigor

Classes are hard, but the professors are extremely helpful and the classes are small enough that you can really form a relationship with them.

Tips for prospective students

You can't go wrong in choosing Villanova. You will grow to love everything about it.

In three sentences

Villanova is a community. The professors care about their students, and the students care about each other, as well as other people. It is a great school and a fun place to be.

Veronica from Huntingdon Valley, PA

06/13/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

28 of 56

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

Public safety is always there with push lights for help on campus. The public safety number is given out to all students in case of emergency, as well as Villanova's 24 hour emergency VEMS for medical emergencies.

Greek Life

Amazing. Very welcoming and fun.

Clubs and Activities

Hundreds of amazing clubs and activities to choose from.

Great for these types of students

Study abroad in one of the endless locations to choose from.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Orientation is a tradition with endless fun experiences for students, take part in legendary Villanova Basketball games or volunteer for the Special Olympics programs.

Bang for the buck

You will succeed with a degree from this university. Tuition is high, but it is worth it if you work hard.

What to do for fun

Everything! Take the train into Philadelphia, go to one of the largest malls in the United States, King of Prussia Mall, or simply stay in your dorm with friends.

Food and Dining

There are two large dining halls and plenty of smaller ones with endless amounts of food to choose from, including all ethnic foods and healthy choices.

Dorm Life

The dorms are decent sized and the students are very welcoming and kind. But if you live on campus, be prepared either invest in earplugs when doing work in dorms, or join the party.

Academic Rigor

You need to work very hard to keep up at Villanova.

Tips for prospective students

Be ready to work hard! Whether your major is Business, Biology, Engineering, Nursing, etc., you will need to work very hard to keep up with the bright students on campus. Everyone here is on top of their game at all times, so it is easy to fall behind. Keep in mind that tuition is high, so do your best in high school in order to insure the best Villanova Grant package. The most important thing when applying to Villanova would be a good resume with plenty of Extracirricular activities and volunteer experience.

In three sentences

Villanova University is the perfect college for bright students looking for an academic challenge. As one of the top wireless campuses with one of the best business schools in the country, Villanova can help any student to achieve their dream. If you are willing to do the work,Villanova's top qualified professors with their flexible hours and friendly dispositions will make sure you succeed.

Amanda from Franklin Square, NY

I have never once felt unsafe on campus. Public Safety is always present, either on patrol or located at stations in dorms. There are also call boxes located all throughout campus.

Greek Life

Greek Life is very popular on campus; it has a strong presence and many people rush fraternities and sororities. Each group is committed to service in the community but also have fun.

Clubs and Activities

There are activity fairs at the start of each semester where students can sign up for a multitude of activities. There are performance groups, academic groups, as well as intramural sports activities.

Great for these types of students

The All Around Student--someone who is committed to their course of study, but someone who also wants to be involved and fully embrace the Villanova ideals of service towards others.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The St. Thomas of Villanova Church is a landmark on the Villanova Campus as well as in the community itself.

What to do for fun

Besides the many clubs on campus, sporting events always provide entertainment! There is live music and other performances such as concerts, and dance recitals.

Food and Dining

Villanova Dining services is one in a million! There are three buffet style cafeterias on campus and multiple a la carte locations that serve many different types of foods. They are committed to serving healthy alternatives and can service any appetite!

Dorm Life

Dorm life varies from year to year. Freshman live all together on one particular section of campus, and as you progress, you can move into different areas of campus. However, housing is only guaranteed for three years. In your senior year, most people move off campus.

Academic Rigor

Villanova is not for the faint of heart in terms of academic rigor. You must be fully committed right from the start. Although academic disciplines vary, they call can be difficult in their own right. There are many resources for a student to turn to if they are having difficulty; tutors and professors are always available.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure that dorm life is the right life for you. Dorming and living on your own can be a big change for someone who is used to not having things done for them. If you are unsure as to what you would like to study, its is always alright to go in undecided. Villanova provides a vast core curriculum that exposes you to many different areas of study.

In three sentences

Villanova is a great place that combines intellectual rigor with a dedication to service and helping your fellow man. You are exposed to many different courses of study which is great for the student who isn't quite sure of what exactly they want to study. If you want to get involved in campus life, there are a vast amount of opportunities to join different organizations; there is one to fit any interest!

Esther from Wayne, PA

Have a decent Panhel greek life, as well as a growing number of multicultural sororities and fraternities.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service is a day where the entire student body can join in and basically an army of volunteers disperses into the greater Philadelphia area to do good work. It's a great time and the feeling of giving back is wonderful.

Bang for the buck

Depends on what you are here for. It's a lot more limited in the sciences, but for arts or business, there is a lot here.

What to do for fun

The Mainline bars (for those of age), various activities by the CAT team.

Food and Dining

Reasonable. No fine dining, but a wide assortment of decent food.

Tips for prospective students

Thoroughly look through the programs and majors available, as well as research or intern opportunities. Business has a LOT going for it at Nova.

Morgan from Carmel, IN

07/10/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

32 of 56

Categories

Comments

Bang for the buck

Villanova University is a very expensive school, but it offers a lot if you choose to take advantage of it. It gives each student a laptop and then replaces it for free after their sophomore year. The school gives career counseling sessions, workshops, leadership and service opportunities, activities, and so much more with no added cost to students. However, many students do not take advantage of all that Nova offers.

What to do for fun

Philadelphia is about a 25 minute train ride. The trains run right through campus and there is a lot to do once you get into the city. Also, the King of Prussia mall, the 2nd largest mall in America, is in the next town over and Nova runs shuttles there on the weekends. There is also a movie theater in King of Prussia. The Campus Activities team runs trips into NYC and into the city occasionally and organizes concerts and other events. There is always something going on at Nova and I have never found myself being bored.

Food and Dining

There are 3 main dining halls and a few other places to eat on campus including Holy Grounds coffee shops and freshens smoothies. The dining staff is friendly and accommodating. Meals are generally pretty good and there is a wide selection of food although it can get repetitive. The food service staff is willing to work with people with food allergies to make sure that they have food available to them that they can eat.

Dorm Life

Freshman and Sophomore dorms are very small, but are relatively updated and most have air conditioning. The freshman part of campus is very nice and most freshman are fortunate enough to live there if they submit their deposit early. Juniors live in apartments and seniors typically live off campus.

Academic Rigor

Academics are challenging, but not impossible. If you put in time and effort you will be rewarded with great grades, but if you let yourself fall behind you will suffer for it. You are in control of the rigor of your class work and how you handle it. As long as you stay on top of it, you should be fine.

Tips for prospective students

COMMUNITY SERVICE is a must have if you want to be considered for acceptance into Villanova. Also, be creative with your essay and show who you are, not who you think the University wants you to be. Personality and dedication are extremely important.

In three sentences

Villanova is a service-oriented school that strives to make the world a better place. The people are friendly, welcoming, and encouraging. I could not imagine being anywhere else.

Arancha from Maple Grove, MN

I am part of KD, one of the sororities and it is amazing! There is always something going on and the girls in my sorority are so nice.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs to join! I had some difficulty just choosing which to join. There is a fair at the beginning of the year where you get to walk around and talk with current members.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Connely late night, the Sparket, 2nd story.. they're all amazing!

Bang for the buck

I love this school and I'm proud to be part of the nova community.

What to do for fun

There are so many sport games to go to! There is also late night movies in Connely almost every week. People even hang out at the dining halls and visit the sparket.

Food and Dining

The food is delicious! My favorite are the sparket pizzas.. definitely check them out!

Dorm Life

Everyone is so nice and welcoming. People put white boards outside their doors to leave messages to each other and there's always something to do. At the same time there's quiet time to allow you to study.

Academic Rigor

You have to study for the classes and pay attention to get good grades. You can't just get by like in high school.

Tips for prospective students

Take advantage of orientation. It's and amazing experience and a great way to meet friends.

In three sentences

I love my school. Everyone is really friendly and the teacher's are helpful and available for help whenever you need it.

Elisabeth from Mobile, AL

The campus is well lighted, campus safety is really helpful, and everyone is really friendly.

Clubs and Activities

There are way too many choices of what to do.

Great for these types of students

Students who can really balance social and academic life well.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

This school is full of traditions, from saying goodbye to your parents on the field you graduate to running on with the football team your first and last games.

Bang for the buck

It's expensive, but it is a good university that prepares you well for the future.

What to do for fun

There is always something going on on campus - speakers, showcases, sports events.

Food and Dining

The food is great! Tons of choices.

Dorm Life

The dorms are really plain and not anything special. The roommate system seems to be random.

Academic Rigor

The classes are hard, but the professors are willing to help. They are very accessible.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you come visit!

In three sentences

Villanova is a community of people who know how to have fun, but also are interested in giving back to the community. Academics and community service are important here. You won't want to leave once you're here!

Rocky from Maryland

09/30/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

38 of 56

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

This campus is really safe, there are call boxes everywhere around campus if y=ou get afraid to walk back to the dorm any time of day. There are always the obvious things that happen on every college campus but here it's pretty chill here.

Greek Life

I am not really a part of the Greek system because I only just started but it is around. Rushing starts later in the year so we'll see.

Clubs and Activities

There are a ton of activities and clubs but you have to find the right one for you. There is essentially too many to list here.

Great for these types of students

Any kind of Student would fit in here.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Orientation Week is sooo fun! Hearing stories from upperclassmen and alumni about what kind of things that can prevent you from graduating haha. Superstitions are the best.

Bang for the buck

There is always something that can be improved no matter where you go but I am very satisfied here.

What to do for fun

There is always a party somewhere whether its on campus, in philly or at off campus places. If your not a big party-er, you can just go to the movies on campus or off and/ or hang out with friends. Whoever said Villa-no-fun

Food and Dining

There is always a lot of great food on campus you just got a find it but, but when that gets repetitive there is always Philly!

Dorm Life

Your dorm life depends on what dormitory hall you are placed in and whether you are in a learning community or not. I'm not in a learning community but I have heard from friends that they are great and make you get closer to a lot of the people in your residence hall. But I have gotten close to a lot of people in my building so it depends on if your open to meeting people. Getting tripled is not as bad as it sounds as I have heard from some friends who have them.

Academic Rigor

It is tough when you get here because you still trying to get use to the school but if you don't read your textbooks and pay attention in class you'll be trouble before you know. Don't slack off the first couple of weeks, get in the mindset that this is not high school and realize that you just might not understand the things you learn in class like in high school. College is no cake-walk.

Tips for prospective students

Get a lot of AP credit because they go a long way here.

In three sentences

I love Villanova University. The students here are so nice and hold the door for you no matter how far away you are if they see you. The teachers here can be hard to get use to but are always there when you need their help. In addition to the teachers there is always tutoring available if you need it for academics like math through the sciences and even languages.

FreshmanStudent

Campus safety is very important, and there are campus safety officers and call boxes throughout the campus to make sure people can travel at all times of the day and night with ease.

Greek Life

About 50% of women are Greek, and 30% of men are Greek, so while if you want to be in a sorority or fraternity this is a ready option, there are plenty of people who do not participate in this. Freshmen cannot rush until their second semester.

Clubs and Activities

One of the more prominent aspects of Villanova is service: students have opportunities to help the community through multiple organizations and service initiatives like Habitat for Humanity. There are also many intramural and club sports, and professional societies for business, nursing, and engineering students.

Great for these types of students

Villanova is a Catholic university, so anyone looking to enhance their faith life is welcome here, although students of all faith traditions are welcomed. They have pretty good athletic teams and as a medium-sized school, you know many people but not everyone, so it is a good size.

Bang for the buck

Villanova is a pricey school, but it is a prestigious university and so many employers recognize the quality education students receive. There are many opportunities for learning and for fun on campus, and part of the tuition includes a laptop.

What to do for fun

Villanova is situated a short distance away from Philadelphia, and with a train station on campus, it is easy to get into the city and explore the culture and history there. There are also free shuttles to the King of Prussia Mall, one of the biggest malls in the country, as well as other shops and restaurants close by. Campus Activities Team puts on other special events such as shows and movies, games, and more fun things.

Food and Dining

Villanova has many options for food, with a large salad bar and fruits, as well as rotating hot meals, sandwiches, soups, and more. There is a lot of variety, and meal plans offer many different places to eat. There are also restaurants surrounding the campus that are not too far to walk to.

Dorm Life

Most freshmen are grouped into a freshmen section, although some may be spread throughout campus. As juniors, students may live in apartments on the campus, so there is a nice transition from dorm to apartment. Most dorms become very close within their halls.

Academic Rigor

Classes are pretty tough, and there are many programs to help in the transition from college student to professional. All students follow a core liberal arts curriculum that provides balance to the student's major.

Tips for prospective students

It is important to do well in high school classes and to get involved in extracurricular activities, because many of the students here do well academically and are very involved in the school and the community.

In three sentences

Villanova is a mid-sized, Catholic university, outside of Philadelphia with hundreds of opportunities for athletics, service, international studies, clubs, and social events. There is a strong focus on professional development as well as academic success. Students and faculty are friendly and always welcome to offer their help and support.

Nicholas from Wilkes Barre, PA

In probably the safest neighborhood in Greater Philadelphia, all of my female friends never feel nervous walking around campus at night.

Greek Life

I think about 30% of girls are in sororities? No frat houses on campus, but there a short cab ride away, haha.

Clubs and Activities

So many activities to choose from, anything you can think of has one. Super competitive club sports teams.

Great for these types of students

Great for intelligent students looking for the company of other smart students. Great if you want to party but don't wanna go to a 'party' school.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Its not THAT weird, but there is the 'Makeout Tree'. Kind of looks like the Whomping Willow from Harry Potter, super cool to look at. Also, don't freak out when you hear 'Rape Trail', you won't get raped if you walk it, haha. Probably the best lit place on campus.

Bang for the buck

Might be expensive, but so far I've had a fantastic experience. Students who go to Nova, love Nova.

What to do for fun

Do not believe the 'Villanofun' nickname, there are always lots of parties on the weekend. Also, there are always university sponsored events to attend, like hypnotists and the like.

Food and Dining

Great food! Lots of options(Three dining halls, many a la carte places), and very friendly staff. Much better than what I expected from a school.

Dorm Life

Sadly, there's no suites until junior year, which is kind of annoying. Bathrooms in my dorm(Katharine) are fine, and showers are manageable, but I've seen some bad ones(Stanford, for example). Freshman year RAs are kind of terrible, but I heard the sophomore year ones are more lax. No communal kitchens, but oh well. Really depends on who you live with, and everyone I live with is pretty chill.

Academic Rigor

Pretty difficult, if you're looking for a challenge. I'm a Chemical Engineering major, and the freshman Engineering course isn't that hard, but I heard it gets killer junior year. Honors classes are very hard, so avoid those, especially if you aren't seeking the Honors degree or minor.

Tips for prospective students

Choose Villanova if you want an institution with great moral backgrounds, but the religious aspect doesn't overwhelm the institution in the least. Great diversity here, university is very accepting of students of other creeds or differing sexual orientation. Pretty expensive, though, so start searching for scholarships now, that was a mistake I made.

In three sentences

Absolutely love this place. I might only be a freshman, but I can tell you that it is my favorite place on the face of the Earth. Suburban, close enough to a great city(Philly) when you want to experience it, but secluded enough when you want to be.

Nova Wildcat

04/07/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

42 of 56

Categories

Comments

What to do for fun

There are two trains that stop on the Villanova Campus. Show some school spirit and attend sports games. The King of Prussia mall is very close (you can take a train and the school shuttles to the mall for free on the weekends). Take a train into Philadelphia or Ardmore. Local bars. Lots of activities that are on campus. Watch the VU movie channel.

Food and Dining

The food is pretty good. People who have Celiac will have a hard time on campus.

Dorm Life

It does depend on the dorm that you are in however, the school has renovated many of the older buildings. There is also plans to expand housing.

Tips for prospective students

Be open minded, and serious, to some of the requirements such as the 4 core classes that everyone must take. Also, there are many places/groups that offer free tutoring on campus, use these to your advantage. Go look at the school, take a tour. After your tour, stop some students that are walking around campus and ask them some questions. Ask anything you want to know. The night life, the food, the class, anything. You will learn much more about a school from students who aren't told what to say and what not to say.

In three sentences

A school that is very focused on community, leadership, and service. Love it here, easy to get to, it is in a great location (near Mall, the city, etc). So many clubs on campus that there is always something to do but it is very easy to start your own club.

Student

You'll know if Villanova is right for you. Go with your gut, follow your heart (as corny as they may sound, it's true).

In three sentences

Villanova cannot be described any better than the best thing that has happened to me. It may not be the cheapest school or the farthest away from home, but the impact it's had on my life is worth every penny in the world. I cannot put into words how excited I am to continue my education here.

Nova Insider

07/02/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

46 of 56

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

I could not feel more safe on campus. The local police and EMS in Radnor combined with VEMS and the Public Safety officers make Villanova a secure environment. Villanova is local to the Bryn Mawr Hospital and located on the Main Line, so safety is not an issue on or around campus.

Greek Life

Greek life at Villanova is not a huge part of student life. Plenty of students join a frat or a sorority, but there are plenty more who find it is not for them. Regardless you can go to the open frat parties and ladies get in free. Greek life is an added bonus to Villanova, but don't worry if you find it isn't for you because more than half of the student population does not participate. It is more difficult to get into a sorority because there are only 9 and each takes about 40 - 50 girls in a pledge class, and a lot of the time there are too many girls rushing to find a place in the sorority they want. Many people drop out of rush before it ends because they don't get into the sorority they want, so if you do rush keep an open mind and don't get discouraged if you get cut from the sorority you want. Also be careful in choosing because once you accept a bid you can't rush for another 365 days and once you are initiated you can't join another sorority if you decide you don't like it.

Clubs and Activities

There are a ton of clubs and activities at Villanova from Quidditch and club sports to baking club. Its great to get involved and meet new people, however if you want to go for a committee position in a club its tough and there is a lot of competition. Don't get discouraged if you don't get the position because you can still be involved with a club. Also if there is a club you would like to start you can try, but it is tough for new clubs to get going if there are similar clubs so be aware of that if you want to start a new club.

What to do for fun

If you like to party I would suggest the Courts or a frat house such as the Gypsy House orr the Mansion (not an actual mansion). Also every club on campus will most likely have a formal which is basically just a party but you wear nicer clothes and transportation to an off campus location is provided. I recommend formals because tickets are usually sold to anyone who wants to go and they are really fun. If you want something even bigger than a frat party or a formal try a ticket party. You can find out about them on facebook usually and they are supposed to be really fun. They happen around major holidays so Holloween, Christmas, and any other holiday that encourages college kids to party. If you want to stay in for a night or aren't the party type then I suggest the Connelly Center on the weekends because they play awesome movies in the Cinema and have an ice cream store and a coffee place. Sometimes the have performances, but I don't know how good they are. Basketball games are fun if you like sports, and football games are good too. Going off campus for dinner or something is also fun because the dining halls can get old after a while. Try Hope's Cookies and Peace a Pizza if you like homemade cookies and gourmet pizza, or if you are gluten free and like pizza because the pizza shop has excellent gluten free pizza.

Food and Dining

The food at Nova is pretty decent and much better than at a lot of other universities. Breakfast usually features eggs, potatos pancakes/waffles, sausage, oatmeal, cereal, and fruit salad and yogurt. You can get fresh eggs cooked at the omelet station but this line can get long so you have to get there early or get there at a time when most other people have class. The Spit (Donahue Dining Hall) is liked better than the Pit (Dougherty) by most but they are basically the same and all dining halls serve the same food for dinner. Cafe Nova is excellent and open until 7:30 pm, but it gets ridiculously crowded and can take some time to get food so be careful if you are in between classes and looking for a quick lunch because usually it takes some time. It is almost empty for dinner though and has excellent gluten free pizza and bread so you can get a sandwhich, burger, pizza, etc. BEWARE of the fries because they are addicting and will destroy your goal to avoid the freshman 15. The food at the law school is supposedly gourmet and I am planing on eating there this year a lot. However you have to wait until a certain time to be able to use a meal there so just be careful of that. That also goes for Connelly as well. Overall there are a lot of options for food at Nova and they are a nut free campus so those with nut allergies do not fear. However the food can get a little old and it can be difficult to find nutritious options if you are gluten free. Sometimes they serve pasta, fried chicken and other not gluten free items on the same night, forcing me to resort to the salad bar. However you can see what they are serving for dinner or any meal if you go on the vilanova dining servces website and click on menus. Here you can put in your allergy and it will tell you what you can still eat which is really helpful if you are unsure. Be careful of the fish in the dining halls, because I've gotten sick from it before, but usually the salmon is really good. I hope this was helpful!

Dorm Life

Dorm life is what you make of it. The buildings are decent, Stanford is the oldest freshmen dorm so it could use some updates but nothing extremely bad to complain about. The buildings on Main Campus (Sullivan, Sheehan, Fedigan) have central air, but Sullivan and Sheehan are really small rooms and can only house about half of the sophomore class. Everyone else gets spread out on Main in Corr, St. Rita's, Fedigan, and Alumni out of which only Fedigan has central air. Fedigan is also the newest and eco friendly dorm on Main Campus. The housing on West campus consists of the Apartments which are really nice 2 and 4 bedroom apartments with either half or full kitchens. These apartments are really for the juniors and certain seniors who are guranteed housing on campus senior year (AKA athletes, femaule engineers, and possibly male nurses). Everoyone else pretty much lives off campus senior year. Also on West campus you have St. MAry's which is a building with mostly single rooms which is where a lot of people end up living sophomore year if they don't get on Main. St. Mary's also has a dining hall, swimming pool and Second Story which is basically a mini grocery store where you can use your meal points for food. All in all housing isn't bad at Nova, but you have to make the best of it.

Academic Rigor

The classes are difficult as you get further into your field of study. I personally didn't find freshman year all that difficult, but you have to watch your time management skills because you nly go to class for about 8-10 hours a week leaving another 30 hours for you to divide as you please. I'm not saying don't party and don't have fun or work out or whatever, but be aware of assignments on the syllabus and pay attention if your professor reminds of an assignment because that means it is usually important. There will probably be a lot of reading involved Freshman year so take time to learn how to scan and find the important info quickly because this will make your life so much easier.

In three sentences

VIllanova is a great liberal arts school with plenty of clubs and activities for everone to find something they love. As a medium sized school we have the spirit of a Big 10 school with the community of a small town, so once a wildcat always a wildcat. It has plenty of great programs in everything from Nursing to Business to Engineering, but the College of Arts and Sciences is also excellent and provides an abundance of opprtunities for exploration of different fields as well as internships through the Career Center.

Jr

07/20/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

47 of 56

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

Never have felt unsafe once at Villanova. They have the typical blue light emergency system that other colleges have, but I'd say it's rarely needed. Always be alert of your surroundings, but you should be fine as it does not get much safer than this school.

What to do for fun

As it is in the affluent Main Line suburbs, Villanova often requires students to make their own fun. However, with a little ambition, there is usually something to do. There are shuttles that run to the King of Prussia mall on the weekends, and two trains on campus that can take you to nearby Philadelphia. Connelly Center provides free movies and a cyber lounge, with many trying their hand at parties elsewhere such as Haverford College and UPenn.

Food and Dining

A nice variety of choices which can get stale after not being home for months at a time, but suits most just fine. There are three main dining halls on South, Main, and West, with the Connelly Center being another option. Also, there are coffee bars all over which are good for a quick snack. Most students living on campus opt for the unlimited meal plan, which is only slightly more expensive than 19 meal/week plan.

Dorm Life

Dorms are fairly comfortable and are basically what you can expect from any other college. Most freshman live on south campus, which is made up only of residence halls and is a great place to get acquainted with other students. Also boasts one of the best dining halls on campus. Sophomores live closer to the main part of campus, with juniors in on campus apartments or some choose to live off. By the time senior year rolls around, you have to live off with most living in the nearby towns of Bryn Mawr and Wayne.

Academic Rigor

Challenging, but not impossible. A heavy core as per the Augustinian tradition of the school that can be frustrating if you know what you want to study, but can also be helpful for others who aren't so sure. The university is separated by arts/sciences, engineering, business, and nursing. Whichever school you are in, you'll receive a top notch education with great opportunities to succeed in your field of choice.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved early by joining organizations and meeting other students in your dorm. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Nova students are involved in a variety of academic, athletic, and service clubs which do a lot of great work in the surrounding Philadelphia area and elsewhere. For freshman, try to live on south campus as that is where most of the people in your grade will be.

In three sentences

Excellent academic school in the quaint suburbs of PA with a superb reputation in the northeast, but is less known in other parts of the country. Whatever your major, the professors are caring and engaged who want to see their students do well. Have had the opportunity to join a plethora of clubs on campus and made lifelong friends in the process. Never want to leave!!!

Ashley from Reno, NV

07/30/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

48 of 56

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

It is honestly the safest college campus I have ever been on. Students can leave their phones at their seats in the dining hall, you can walk about at night, and campus safety is always driving around.

Greek Life

There is very little Greek presence on campus, but the biggest is tri-delta.

Clubs and Activities

There are lots of clubs and activities to do, but they all tend to happen at the same time. In addition, most of the clubs tend to not be very easy going, attendance and life donation are mandatory. It seems like it's really only the Trading Card club that lets people come and go as they wish.

Great for these types of students

It's a good school for students who want a happy and peaceful environment, but maybe not the best for nerdy kids.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Among Honors Students, there is a group called the Interdisc kids and they tend to keep to themselves a lot. There's a tunnel under the train near West Campus which is constantly being graffitied and re-painted, so it can be fun to see what the most recent picture is.

Bang for the buck

It is an expensive school and, although it is a good school with a good reputation, it isn't Stanford.

What to do for fun

Generally, there are events happening on campus all the time. There are often ticket parties and such, but I don't usually go.

Food and Dining

The food is good in quality, but there's not often a lot of variety. The dining halls do close inordinately early, so you have to get your food quick. There's no kitchen, and the dining halls close over the holidays, so if you stay for the holidays, you're stuck with junk food.

Dorm Life

I was surprised by the dorms. There is no kitchen anywhere in the dorms, so you have to use their meal plan and you have to eat their food. They're fairly forgiving for allergies, but it can be annoying when you want something to eat and the dining hall is closed. The laundry machines are almost always being used, so it can be difficult to find an open one, but it is possible. Also, everyone closes their doors and you don't often speak with your dorm mates.

Academic Rigor

I personally don't consider it rigorous, but I have very different standards from normal. Most students would find it pretty rigorous, but not quite study all day and all night rigorous.

Tips for prospective students

This is a good college, but it can be really expensive unless you get a good scholarship.

In three sentences

Villanova University is an energetic school with a lot of spirit. In fact, Villanova student pride is one of the best things about the school, the student body tends to be happier, turn out for games, and more likely to have fun. The campus is large, beautiful, and often has students walking around.

Roberto from San Juan, PR

08/15/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

50 of 56

Categories

Comments

What to do for fun

From the sports games and Greek life parties to the clubs and job fairs, it's hard to find what NOT to do while on campus. As long as you balance your work with your fun, there's always a chance to get the best out of this college. There is even a small theater in one of the buildings that shows an excellent movie every Friday FREE OF CHARGE to all students; can't beat that!

Food and Dining

The dining halls themselves are beyond excellent aesthetically, organizational, and spacious. The food is quite good, and tends to be diverse with different menus daily in some of the halls, and some every day options as well. Having a meal plan is the most convenient way to enjoy all the dining halls; however, you can also pay for the meals with Nova Bucks which can be used in various restaurants and locations in the Villanova area.

Dorm Life

Having excellent accommodations from beginning freshmen to ending juniors and seniors, the campus divides dorm life by entry year. Freshmen live on south campus in various buildings and get their own dining hall (although, of course, all dining halls are open to all students); sophomores tend to live in the main-campus dorms; and juniors and seniors tend to live in the west campus apartments. While some students can and do choose to live off-campus, most on-campus students tend to enjoy the advantages of the ease-of-access to their morning classes and helpful neighbors and college buildings.

Academic Rigor

With truly challenging classes, as well as excellent faculty, peer tutoring, library, guidance counselors, and teachers' assistants in a can-help, will-help system, the only way to do poorly is by ignoring all the help the university has to offer. Ask for help from practically any student, and they will either help or point you to where better help can be found. Such is the attitude of most, if not all students I have met at Villanova.

Tips for prospective students

Take advantage of the well-structured system Villanova University has to offer. From the beginning tours provided by the Blue Key Society to the admissions office, different colleges buildings, and dining halls, the organization and can-do attitude portrayed by the citizens of the Villanova area are what wins over the hearts of many when considering where to spend the next four or so years of your life. Also, make sure to ask about the excellent study-abroad program; you won't regret it!

In three sentences

A large and beautiful campus, Villanova University is a fine example of how years of educating minds in various colleges can lead to a conglomerate of students joining together to provide service to those in need. The faculty, dining, sports, clubs, and activities on campus are more than enough for anyone on their way to college to want to give Villanova a chance. Despite the cost of education, this school provides students with an incredible, ideal environment for networking, friendship, service, education, and overall excellent connections for their post-graduate life.

Christina

The campus is surrounded by neighborhoods and seems quite safe, even at night.

Great for these types of students

Outgoing and confident people who like to give back to others and the community fit in well at Villanova.

Bang for the buck

I really enjoy going to Villanova but it is quite expensive and I know I will have to pay for it dearly when I graduate.

What to do for fun

There are many activities on campus if you know how to look for them. I am in a singing group, theater group, dance group, ultimate frisbee team and enjoy hanging out with friends.

Food and Dining

The food isn't bad but lacks variety most of the time.

Dorm Life

I have not had a problem with the dorms. They are not exactly state of the art but are quite adequate for living. I also have had great luck in the roommate situation.

Academic Rigor

I have mostly taken introductory classes and some were fairly easy but the major specific classes were more challenging.

Tips for prospective students

Find a roommate that is compatible with your style of living and/or try to make the relationship as comfortable as possible so that it doesn't negatively affect your college experience. Also, manage your time effectively or you may feel rushed and stressed.

In three sentences

I love the friendly nature of the students and staff. The campus is very pretty and not too large. The caliber of learning is highly rated.

Tri from Philadelphia, PA

01/20/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

52 of 56

Categories

Comments

What to do for fun

Fun can be a variety of things. There is always a sports game going on during the weekends and the cultural and theater clubs are always putting on shows for students. Ticket parties happens every month and it is only a short distance away.

Food and Dining

Nova offers a lot of different choices to chose from. I never have to worry about staying on a healthy diet because there are always alternative choices if i do not feel like eating meat or fried foods all the time. Vegetarian choices are recommended here. I always find myself by the ice cream shop getting a milkshake or an ice cream cone though.

Dorm Life

Dorm life at Nova is one of the best part of college. The people i meet in the dorms become good friends and we still hang out after each of us has gone to different dorms. I feel very connect to them on a personal level.

Academic Rigor

Courses can be super challenging but i always feel like i am learning something new although it may not appear relevant to me at first. The classes that I chose was tough to balance but i get used to it very quickly.

Tips for prospective students

I definitely recommend people who are looking at Nova to come visit and spend a weekend living with a current students. There is always something happening at Nova and getting involved is as easy as just showing up.

In three sentences

Villanova is a great place to study and connect with many different people from all over the country. I find myself meeting new people all the time and it is always a wonderful experience. The campus is beautiful and has many of the coolest clubs and organizations to join.

Andrew

Very important to the social aspect of the school. Control the partying and are more exclusive.

Clubs and Activities

There's a club for almost anything and everything and if there's not. Make it!

Great for these types of students

Those that challenge themselves and look to get involved.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Make out Tree- a tree where couples can well....make out. Has initials carved all over it. Mendel Doug- A guy often seen hanging out around the Mendel Science building even though he doesn't attend. Ghosts- Apparently Ghosts in St. Mary's and Alumni Hall. Alumni was used as a civil war hospital. The Arch- If you bring your significant other under the arch and kiss them, you're destined to get married.

Bang for the buck

Not quite sure yet, I'm pretty confident I'll get a job with a degree from here; however, it is VERY expensive to attend.

There are plenty of places to eat on campus, including dining halls, coffee shops, an ice cream shop, convenience stores, and a la carte style options. If you're in need of a change, many off-campus eateries deliver, and there is a variety of restaurants and fast-food places within walking distance or just a stop or two away via the nearby train station.

Dorm Life

Many dorms are relatively old, but most have been renovated inside. Rooms tend to be small, but living in a dorm is part of the college experience. Guaranteed on-campus housing for 3 years, with on-campus apartments available to juniors.

Academic Rigor

Villanova challenges each student to become the best possible, and no price can be placed on the value of a Villanova education. The classes are rigorous, but well worth the hard work in the end.

Tips for prospective students

Don't let the tuition cost scare you - apply for financial aid and scholarships. Be sure to take a campus tour because the entire campus can be easily toured in an hour or less, but the buildings and newly renovated areas are beautiful.

In three sentences

From the start of orientation to the very last day of senior year, Villanova provides a nurturing family environment that encourages learning and growth. My parents like to say they were perfectly comfortable dropping me off to start my freshman year at a university that felt like home. Villanova has provided innumerable opportunities, both socially and academically, and I have no doubt I will continue to benefit for the rest of my adult life.

Erik from Hillsborough, NJ

02/19/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

55 of 56

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

Villanova is located in a suburb of Philadelphia. The environment is extremely safe without being too far out of the way. Because we are on the Main Line, trains to Philadelphia are very cheap and run very frequently.

Greek Life

Greek Life has a presence on campus without completely controlling it. Most students do not belong to any Greek organization, however they are available if you are looking to join one.

Clubs and Activities

There is an activities fair every semester and there is something for everyone. There is Greek Life, Varsity, Club and Intramural Sports, service groups, religious groups, and honors groups. Whatever you are interested in, Villanova has something to offer.

Bang for the buck

Villanova is a widely recognizable university and it has a great alumni network. Everyone is willing to help out a fellow wildcat.

What to do for fun

Every week a different movie plays at the Villanova Cinema. There are shuttles to the King of Prussia Mall every Friday and Saturday. Every Saturday there are off campus shuttles to the surrounding areas. There are two train stations on campus which can take students to any location on the main line. The university also has events every week which give students numerous enjoyable activities for fun.

Food and Dining

There numerous Villanovan dining facilities located throughout campus. There are three buffet style locations and numerous a la carte and coffee shop the food is always good and there is something for everyone.

Dorm Life

Many Villanovan freshmen students do have to live in converted triples, which can become stressful at times, and as of now the senior housing is only in the planning stages. However overall, the dorm life is great.

Academic Rigor

The courses at Villanova are designed to challenge the student body while remaining possible to accomplish. If any classwork is causing you too much trouble, the Writing and Math centers are full of people who have taken the same classes before you and they are happy to help out. The professors go out of their way to arrange office hours with any students who have questions about the material or anything in general.

Tips for prospective students

Once you find what you are passionate about, Villanova will become passionate about you. Villanova is a liberal arts university with ranked business, engineering and nursing schools so the is something for everyone. Greek Life has a presence without overrunning the campus. There are seven talented acapella groups on campus. The Augustinian order contributes to the culture without dominating it. Every level of sports are offered for basically every sport. There is something for everyone here at Villanova, you just have to test the water and discover what you would like to do. You got to get involved, wherever you end up going, that way you can find our own community.

In three sentences

I am a current freshman at Villanova University and I love it here because there is an excellent source of community within the student body and the faculty. Everyone is willing to go the extra mile to help out a fellow wildcat. The campus is full of greenery and buildings with stone facades which add to the feel and the location is perfect, surrounded by a safe environment while simultaneously being located on the main line to center city Philadelphia.

Kala from Glassboro, NJ

Villanova is located in a safe area on the Main Line, and there's never really any crime. Probably one of the best campuses as far as safety is concerned.

Greek Life

Greek life is pretty big, but you won't be an outcast if you're not involved. Those I know in Greek life love it, and it is definitely something to consider.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many activities to choose to get involved in. From sorority and frat life, to service, to academic clubs, there's definitely something for everyone.

Great for these types of students

Preppy New England types who like to wear Sperrys and Vineyard Vines.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

No traditions really that I am aware of. Just steer clear of living in Alumni Hall because apparently it is haunted.

Bang for the buck

Villanova, like most colleges, is over priced. The business school is really the only school that deserves to have ridiculous amounts of money spent on it because it is nationally ranked and job prospects are high.

What to do for fun

There is always a party going on somewhere which is great. The Campus Activities Team also plans things throughout the year that are fun to get involved in.

Food and Dining

Food is generally good. There are many options to choose from. Best food is at Cafe Nova, and the Law School. Worst is from the Pit. Campus Corner also has great food that you can have delivered to your dorm building.

Dorm Life

Dorms, especially for freshmen, typically suck. Good Counsel has the best (and biggest) and biggest rooms of them all. Communal bathrooms suck but are pretty much unescapable. The best dorms are the junior apartments which are relatively new, and very nice.

Academic Rigor

Depending on the professor and your major, courses can be easy or hard. Academically Villanova does very well so courses tend to be pretty rigorous and require lots of study hours.

Tips for prospective students

Come with an open mind, and be willing to participate in all the the school has to offer. Also, work on time management since you will be getting a lot of work to do.

In three sentences

Villanova has a beautiful campus. Classes are small and professors are easily accessible. School pride is huge, and basketball runs the school.

Cappex is the company behind CollegeGreenlight.com.

College Greenlight is a service provided by Cappex.com, a leading college search website that has relationships with hundreds of colleges nationwide and years of experience helping millions of students achieve their college dreams.